Showtime, not HBO, will air Pacquiao-Mosley fight: Koncz

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – Showtime, the television brand of US media giant CBS Corp., and not cable giant HBO, will broadcast the world welterweight title clash between boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and “Sugar” Shane Mosley.

This was confirmed by the Filipino boxer’s Canadian adviser, Michael Koncz, in an interview with Boxing Fanhouse.com.

Koncz said this decision took into account a wider viewership for the Filipino boxing champion

"It's a big benefit for us, economically, and he's going to be getting wider viewership," said Koncz. "It's a different platform for us, and I think that it's important to have a different platform. It's going to take it out of the regular pay-per-view audience because we have a lot of options with the network."

CBS reportedly could reach to 115 million homes compared to HBO's 28 million.

This will be the first time for a big Pacquiao fight to be aired outside of HBO Sports.

HBO played a major role in promoting the Filipino champion’s fights against boxing great Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito through its multi-part boxing documentary, HBO 24/7.

However, Koncz said CBS’ Showtime is also very much capable of televising a multi-part series similar to HBO's 24/7.

"We've worked with HBO for many, many fights, and it's always great working with them. But, you know, sometimes change is good for everybody involved. So we're making that change and we're going on Showtime this time," said Koncz.